Perfect Imperfection

There are quiet morning moments when I look about my house and pout. I see the half-way finished projects, or the older carpets, the clothes the kids didn’t put away, the drought affected front yard or the dilapidated garage door. I despair a little. Then I walk a few feet, turn a corner and see the notches measuring how tall my ramblers are getting. I see dogs basking in the sun in spots where other past dog-friends made their own. I see the hand-chosen colour on the walls that she made me apply alone because the paint smell made her sick. As I move across the hallway I remember that fun night Nic and I (oh that’s a post for a different day).
There are perfect stories woven into the four corners of this imperfect home. It’s why we work so hard to keep it.

Disco Hugo

Along my career there were a few that didn’t appreciate my special talents and for one reason or another we couldn’t work together anymore. 
At first I was afraid. Heck I was even petrified. 
Just to think of not toiling with them side by side. 
Then I spend a lot of time thinking of how they were wrong. 
And I grew strong…somehow learned again to go get along. 
Now thinking back about that hectic pace. 
I remember coming home a lot with a foochi-grumpy face. 
Perhaps I had a mental block that wouldn’t allow me to be free 
but there were bills to pay and quitting just ain’t me! 
But then I went, stepped out the door. 
Never looked back now ’cause sorrow is a chore. 
So many good people and I had a few beers & a cry. 
Sure I had a tumble but I would not let myself just lie. 
Oh no not I……

Shell Shocked

Somewhere just off the sea my father would walk along the sands and hunt for interesting rocks and shells. He’d then put his collection in a bucket and we’d haul them back to our home in Boyle Heights. I paid him no mind. 
Today I tripped on a pail my youngest has in the garage. There are so many keepsakes from beach trips that I had a hard time counting them. 
Across time & space these two share that common bond. Just had to stub my toe to realize it.

Night Terrors

I woke from a nightmare. The deep feeling still lingered and it expressed that in that alternate state I had become a person not matching what she needed. No one was at fault but we weren’t working and a correction might be beyond our reach. I awaited an answer and I tried to deduce one from her face but just before she spoke a jolt awoke me and I was on my bed again. Confused I reached out and there she lays beautifully asleep. My kiddos too, the dogs and the moon is bright. 
The local time is 3:56 am.

Nation’s Son

The boy at the walkie-talkie called out for my kid today at camp. While I waited we got to talking. He looked not even one-and-twenty and I assumed he took the Camp job as a way to not pass the Summer at home. Then he told me about his current jobs and surprised me about his military times. I was floored to be sure. This young man had military and his plans for the future were bright and well thought out. As my son arrived and we headed towards the car I couldn’t help but thank him for his Service. I am sure his parents must be proud.

True Hugo

At Belvedere Junior High circa 1991 a bunch of boys and I would have clandestine meetings on the south eastern part of campus. There at about lunch time we’d partake in some shady business with a woman who came up Michigan Ave every school day to meet us. There, while the look outs kept watch you could buy a fully loaded Torta for a couple of bucks (50